Status of Women Education in India

Abstract

Women in India, despite being half of the population, do not represent themselves in education related indicators with the same magnitude. Prima facie, it can be said that we achieved 100 percent enrolment and gained 1.01 in the gender parity index at the primary level. However, when in-depth analysis is done considering the quality aspects and women’s participation in the labor force, we will find gender biases at all levels. The girls’ enrolment is significantly low as compared to their male counterparts in private schools, in high-end technological and management institute, and professional courses. In addition to that, girls are lagging in cognitive skills, Maths, and reading abilities. In a nutshell, girls are still struggling to be on par with their male counterparts to get quality and professional education. Parental behavior, intra-household resource allocation, cultural norms, safety, discrimination at the workplace can be attributed to these discrepancies. The present paper will analyze the status of women in educational development, factors, and determinants associated with disparity, and government policies for upliftment of women’s situation in education.